City’s first pedestrian crossover makes debut
Patrons flowing out of FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre to their cars will no longer have reason to jaywalk.
St. Catharines’ first pedestrian crossover has been installed on St. Paul Street at Garden Park.
The crossover, with road markings and rapid flashing beacons, replace a stationary sign that told people to “wait for gap” in traffic.
“It seemed like the most logical place to put one in the city,” said Brian Applebee, St. Catharines manager of transportation services. He said it’s a popular spot to cross to and from the arts centre and the Carlisle Street parking garage off Garden Park.
Niagara Region and city decided to take advantage of the recent reconstruction of St. Paul Street to put in the crossover.
Different from a traditional crosswalk, the crossover does not have arms with stoplights that extend across the street. Instead, flashing beacons are activated on posts on either side of the road for 20 seconds.
Niagara Regional Police Sgt. John Klop of the traffic enforcement unit said several signs indicate to drivers on St. Paul that the crossover is coming up.
Drivers approaching a crossover must stop behind the painted yield line, which looks like a row of triangles, when a pedestrian wants to cross.
Vehicles can proceed when the pedestrian is completely off the roadway.
Failing to stop can lead to a fine and penalty of up to $500 and three demerit points.
Klop said it’s a good idea for pedestrians to put their arm out to indicate they want to cross, even if the lights are flashing.
It’s only the second crossover with a rapid flashing beacon in the region.
One was installed in Smithville this year on Regional Road 20 near St. Martin Catholic School in time for the first day of classes.
Petar Vujic, Niagara Region supervisor of corridor safety, said it’s new technology at about a quarter of the cost of a traditional pedestrian crosswalk like the one further down the road at the Rankin Gateway to Meridian Centre.
The region has a committee with the 12 municipalities and Niagara Parks to try to keep any crossovers consistent through Niagara in signage and markings to make it easier for drivers.